Simpson
Recreational vehicles (RVs) are a popular way to travel and explore the outdoors, but they come with their own set of challenges. One of the biggest challenges is protecting your RV from electrical surges, which can cause serious damage to your appliances and electronics. Fortunately, storage facilities can help prevent these surges and keep your RV safe while it’s in storage.
This article will discuss the importance of power protection for your RV and explore the different methods storage facilities can use to prevent electrical surges. Whether you’re a full-time RVer or a weekend warrior, understanding how to protect your RV from electrical surges is essential to ensuring your travels are safe and worry-free.
Protection from Lightning and Electrical Surges
One of the most important steps storage facilities can take to prevent electrical surges in stored RVs is installing GFI or GFCI outlets in every unit. These outlets are designed to prevent electrical overloads by monitoring the flow of electricity and shutting off the power if it detects a ground fault. This is especially important in RVs, where the risk of electrical damage is higher due to the nature of the vehicle’s equipment.
In addition to GFI or GFCI outlets, storage facilities should also install individual breakers for each outlet. These breakers are designed to protect each outlet from overloading, which can lead to electrical surges and potentially damage the RV’s appliances and electronics. The outlet is affected by the other outlets on that breaker without a separate breaker.
Another important step storage facilities can take to prevent electrical surges is installing surge protectors, also known as surge arrestors, on the breaker and main panels. These devices protect against power surges from lightning strikes or other electrical issues feeding into the facility. By installing surge protectors, storage facilities can provide extra protection for their customers’ RVs and help prevent costly damage from electrical surges.
Some storage facilities may also install lightning protection through ground wires leading to buried grounding rods. These wires allow lightning to travel to the ground, away from outlets and other sensitive electronic equipment. This is an important step in protecting RVs from lightning strikes, which can cause significant damage to appliances and electronics.
Generator Use in Storage Facilities
A backup generator for storage facilities is a type of power backup system that provides electricity during power outages or disruptions. These generators are designed to provide temporary power to the storage facility until the main power supply is restored.
Power protection measures taken by storage facilities can also ensure the safety and security of the facility itself. One important aspect of this is providing power to gates and doors that control access to the facility. By ensuring that these critical systems always function regardless of power conditions, storage facilities can maintain the security of their premises and prevent unauthorized access. This is especially important in areas with frequent power outages or other electrical issues, as it can prevent the facility from being vulnerable during these times.
Another important aspect of backup power systems for storage facilities is providing power to security cameras. These cameras are a critical component of any security system, providing constant monitoring and surveillance of the facility. By ensuring that cameras always have power, storage facilities can maintain high security and deter potential criminals. Additionally, in the event of a security breach or other incident, having functional cameras can provide valuable evidence to help law enforcement.
Finally, power protection measures can also ensure the facility is well-lit, essential for safety and security. Adequate lighting can help prevent accidents and injuries by making it easier for people to navigate the facility and avoid hazards. Additionally, well-lit facilities can deter potential criminals and make monitoring the premises easier for security systems. Storage facilities can maintain a safe and secure environment for their customers and employees by providing power to lights and ensuring they always function.
Why is a Backup Generator Important for Your Storage Unit?
A tenant may not realize the need for a backup generator until it’s too late. RV storage facilities have large overhead doors that are not easily accessed without the motorized operator opening them. The gate motor also requires power to open and close. Without power or a backup generator, the gate could be left open or closed, and the doors wouldn’t be able to open or close. The cameras would also be unable to record, removing every layer of security.
Real life scenario when a backup generator was needed
The power went out in Spanish Fort, AL, during the last hurricane, Hurricane Sally, which affected the area. Power remained out in most of the county due to damaged power lines, downed trees, and flooding for days afterward. Some areas even remained without power for several weeks following the storm.
A customer who owns an RV and stored it in an Orange Beach Rv storage facility nearby decided his family couldn’t remain in their home without power. He reasoned that it would be more comfortable if he took his family out in their RV on a short trip to a campground nearby that wasn’t affected by the storm and had power.
Unfortunately, the facility he stored his RV in had lost power as well, and when he finally got in touch with the facility manager, they told him there was no way to get into his unit, much less take the RV out of it.
Without another option, they were forced to stay in a hotel for weeks following the storm until their house regained power, even though he had a perfectly good RV in a storage unit nearby.
That customer realized storage facilities wouldn’t have that problem if a backup generator were installed to ensure the doors and the gate have power year-round! He quickly began searching for a better place to store his RV and found Titan Storage in Spanish Fort, which actually had a backup generator and more.
The Importance of a Backup Generator in a Storage Facility During Hurricanes and Storms
The importance of a backup generator in a storage facility during hurricanes and storms cannot be overstated. Natural disasters can cause prolonged power outages, leaving the storage facility and the RVs parked inside vulnerable to damage, theft, and other security risks.
During a hurricane or storm, high winds, heavy rain, and flooding can cause power lines to go down, resulting in power outages lasting for days or weeks. Without a generator, the storage facility and the RVs parked inside will be left locked away, inaccessible to the owners, and without protection from critical security systems.
A backup generator provides a reliable source of electricity during a power outage, keeping the storage facility powered up and functional. This ensures the RVs remain safe, secure, and protected from environmental damage, theft, or vandalism.
Ensure That Your RV is Protected
Power protection is essential to storing an RV at a storage facility. Power outages or disruptions can cause significant damage to the RVs parked inside, as well as the storage facility itself. Backup generators provide a reliable source of electricity during power outages, ensuring that the RVs remain safe, secure, and accessible.
Investing in a backup generator is a smart decision for storage facility owners. When choosing a storage facility, RV tenants who want to protect their vehicles should look for this feature. It is a small investment that can save significant money and headaches in the long run by ensuring that the RVs remain in good condition and ready for the next adventure.
